Broaching machine



April F. J. LAPOINTE 2,239,237 BRQACHING MACHINE Filed Oct. 19, 1937' 4 meets-Sheet.- I

Imus/22 021 [7 2222605 flq vau'zfi,

4. Swedis -Sheet 2 F. J. LAPOIN'EE".

BROACHING MACHINE Filed Oct. 19, I937 April 22; 1941'.

jkz/ezzz orx- Em JL OZZY/Z Patented Apr. 22, 1941 NlTED STATES TENT OFFICE BROACHING MACHINE Michigan Application October 19, 1937, Serial No. 169,848

20 Claims.

My invention relates tobroaching machines, more particularly breaching machines of; the single ram type, and has as a general object to provide a new and improved breaching machine of that character. I

A more particular object of my invention is to provide a breaching machine of the single ram type having a new and improved construction and a new mode of operation materially enhancing the production of a machine of that type.

Another object is to provide in a breaching machine of the single ram type a plurality of work supporting tables so operable that one table may be loaded while a breaching operation isperformed on the work piece of the other table, to eliminate the time lost by having the ram idle during the loading of a table.

. Yet another object is the provision of a single ram breaching machine constructed so that the ram carries several breaches andhaving a plurality of work tables each cooperable with one of the breaches and shiftable into breaching position during alternate breaching strokes of the ram.

Still another object is to provide a-semiau'tomatic breaching machine having a single ram carrying a plurality of breaches, a plurality of work supporting tables each cooperable withone of the breaches during alternate breaching strokes, and automatic control means governing vision of a breaching machine having a single breach supporting ram cooperable with a pair of Work supporting tables which are controlled independently of one another, in such a manner that one table may be advanced to a breaching position whereupon a mechanism, actuated automatically, causes the breaching ram toadvance through a breaching stroke and the work supporting table to return to its initial position, which in turn causes the automatic return of the breaching ram to an initial position, all of these actions being designed to take place before operation of the alternate work supporting table which has meanwhile been retained in a position for loading with a work piece. 1

A still further object of my invention is the provision of a multiple electrically controlled and hydraulically actuated breaching machine-:featuring two distinct hydraulic circuits, one vfor the breaching ram and onefer thework supp rt,- ing tables, and further featuring-a primary electric circuit. coupled with a secondary electric circuit, cooperable respectively with the two hydraulic circuits in such a manner that the action of the elements in one circuit causes activity in the operation of theother in accordance with a predetermined sequence of operation.

Further objectsand advantages will appear as the description proceeds taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, which form a part of this application, in which:

Fig. l is a side elevation of a breaching machine embodying the features of the invention.

.Fig. 2 is a front elevation of the machine shown in Fig. 1.

Fig. 3 is a partial longitudinal section through the breaching machine.

Fig. 4 is a top view of the machine shown partly in section. v

Fig. 5 is a diagram of the electric control circuit of the machine.

Fig. 6 is a diagram of the hydraulic circuit of the machine.

While -I have shown in the drawings and will herein describein detail the preferred embodimentof my invention, it is to be understood that I do not thereby intend to limit the invention to the specific form disclosed, but aim to cover all modifications and alternative constructions falling Within the spiritand scope of the invention as expressed in the appended claims.

In the operation of breaching machines, the manualadjustments necessary to properly lead a work piece upon a work table in a manner such that, it will resist the disturbing forces set up 2 during a breaching operation involve appreciable time. The length of time necessary to load the machine for each breaching stroke is such that the activity of the breaching ram, under such 1 circumstances, is reduced to the point where the ram is 'idle a large part of the time. To eliminate this idle and nonpreductive time in a machineof economical construction, the broaching machine described herein has been perfected. This machine has but a single broachcarrying ram and a plurality of work supporting tables independently operable but in timed relation with the operation of the ram. In a breaching machine of such a description, there is ample time for leading an idle work supporting table whilean operative work supporting table is advancedxto. breaching position,-the ram driven through a breaching stroke, the table retracted to it ainitial loadingposition, and the ram re to illustrate the preferred embodiment of the invention and is shown herein as having a vertically reciprocable ram equipped in this instance with two sets of broach supports, each capable of supporting a pair of parallel surface broaches. The broaches are secured in the supports with the broaching surfaces face to face. Positioned on the machine in front of the ram are a pair of work supporting tables which reciprocate alternately in a horizontal plane. Each of the work tables has a narrow protruding portion which may enter the space between the parallel surface broaches and carry with it a work piece of particular shape. The ram and the tables herein are hydraulically actuated under a semiautomatic electrical control means.

In a position at rest, the broaching ram is retracted to an uppermost initial or starting position and the work supporting tables are retracted outwards to their initial or loading positions remote from the plane of operation of the broaching ram. The work supporting tables can be operated only one at a time with a cycle of operation initiated by a manually controlled push button switch. When one of the tables has been loaded with a work piece, inward movement to a broaching position is initiated by manual actuation of its push button. As an incident to its inward movement, the table through the automatic actuation of a switching device, causes the broaching ram to advance through a broaching stroke, which actuation does not occur, however, until the table reaches its proper position. At the completion of a broaching stroke, the ram actuates another automatic mechanism which effects retraction of the operative work supporting table to its initial or loading position and, immediately upon the table arriving at its initial position, still another automatic means is actuated which serves to retract the broaching ram upward to the initial position thereof.

Meanwhile the inactive work supporting table has been withheld for the purpose of loading it with a work piece. To insure safety in operation, there is no automatic advance operative on the inactive table while at rest. After the other operating members of the machine have reached their initial positions, the previously inactive work supporting table can be started inward to a broaching position only by the manual manipulation of its push button switch, whereupon the broaching cycle proceeds in a manner similar to that described for the first mentioned table. The hydraulic and electric circuits together with the sequence of operation thereof will be described in greater detail as the description proceeds.

Referring now more particularly to the drawings, Figs. 1 to 4 thereof show a vertical hydraulic broaching machine having a base I supporting a vertical frame or column 2 which has at the front a bracket 3, frequently cast integral with the frame, and supported in part by a forward extending portion 4 of the base I. A removable panel 5 is provided to give access to the space within the bracket.

Slidably mounted upon ways 6 on the front face of the vertical column 2 is a hydraulic ram 1 which carries a broach supporting means provided in the embodiment shown with sets of vertical surface broach supports 8, 8. The broaches supported thereon are arranged in pairs so that broaches 9, 9 on the left of Fig. 2 are positioned parallel with respect to each other having their cutting surfaces ID, ID face to face. On the right hand side parallel broaches ll, II are positioned so that the cutting surfaces 52, I2 are face to face. The broaches are all securely mounted upon the ram 1 which includes a movable ram cylinder [3 at the rear thereof (see Fig. 3). In the embodiment shown, the cylinder is closed at the bottom by a plug M and at the top by a mechanical seal generally designated [5. A startionary piston 16 is positioned within the cylinder to form therewith the ram motor and is connected by a red I"! and an annular sleeve 18 to an anchor block 19 attached to the plate 20 which forms a top for the frame. The piston rod I1 is hollow and forms a passage for admitting and exhausting fluid through a pipe 2| to and from the head end of the cylinder l3, while sleeve i3 forms with the rod I'I an annular passage 22 for similarly admitting and exhausting fluid to and from the rod end of the cylinder through a pipe 23. The sleeve l8 communicates with the rod end of the cylinder through a series of apertures 24.

For carrying the work to and away from a broaching position, a pair of work supporting tables 40 are provided. These tables comprise in the main reciprocating cylindrical members 4| and 42 which are supported upon slides 43 built upon the bracket 3 and provide a flat work supporting surface on the top. At the end adjacent the ram each table has a projecting portion 4a and is designed as a whole to support a work piece which may be of the character of the article 45 represented by the dot and dash lines upon the right hand work supporting table in Fig. 4. The article shown is of such character that the end thereof extends over and is supported by the projecting portion 44 of the work table which may be inserted between the faces of a pair of the parallel broaches so that each of the side faces at the end of the article may be broached in parallel planes at a single stroke of the broaching ram.

The structural characteristics of each of the work tables are essentially the same, that for the left hand table being shown in section on the upper side 'of Fig. 4. As previously noted, the table in large part is composed of a cylindrical member forming a cylinder 46 having a plugged end 47 and a packing 48 at the other end for slidably admitting a piston rod. Within the cylinder is located a stationary piston 49 which in turn is secured to a boss 64 at the front part of the frame by means of a hollow piston rod 58 surrounded by an annular sleeve 5! and together forming passages whereby fluid can be admitted to or extracted from the head end 52 or the rod end 53 of the cylinder 46, the fluid being conducted respectively through pipes 54 and 55 in a more or less conventional manner similar to that described for the broaching ram in this embodiment.

In order that the hydraulic operation may be properly and more readily understood, a diagram showin the ram cylinder and the table cylinders, together with the requisite Valves and pumps, is shown in Fig. 6. In the diagram, the ram cylinder I3 is shown retracted upward to its initial or starting position with the piston It forced to the end of the cylinder. A high pressure ram pump PR driven by suitable means, such as an electric motor (not shown), is shown at the lower right hand portion of the diagram connected by means of a pipe 10 leading to a point beneath the surface. :of. a body; of; hydraulic fluid, ina tank or reservoir, ll. A pressureline12 leads from the pump to a ,fourryvay valve ,'|3 from which the hydraulic fluid; is conductedv alternately through the pipes 2i and 2.3 toeither the head or the rod end ,of the-ram cylinders As diagrammed, the pipe 2] leads downward through the piston IS in order to communicate with the head end of the cylinder, while the pipe 23 communicates with the annular passage 22 which conducts fluidto and from the rod end of the ram cylinder. Fluid returned to the valve 13 from the cylinder I3 is discharged to the reservoir. II through an exhaust line 14. When, for example, the four-way valve is set so that hydraulic fluid from the pump is being directed through the pipe 2|..to the head end of :the ram cylinder, the fluid already occupying the spacewithin the rod end of. the ram cylinder is expelledoutward through the pipe 23 and thence through the four-way valveto the exhaust line .74 which .conductsthe fluidback to the reservoir- Alsolocatedin the high pressure line :12 leading .directlyfrom the pump is a pressur'erelief valve '55. which canbe set for a desired high pressure and: which actuates to discharge fluid:.through a return line .16 to the reservoir 1|..when the high pressure exceeds the amount for which the valveis set.

Since the broaching machine is electrically controlled, the four-way valve 13, in the present instance, is actuated to pass fluid in one direction or another by means of solenoids A and B connected byv a system of levers 11, TI and 18 to a valve stem '59 of the valve 13. Energization of the solenoid A, which may be termed the ramup solenoid, shifts the valve'l3 to direct fluid to the rod end of the cylinder l3, thus raising the ram.- Energization of the solenoid B, which may be termed the ram-down solenoid, produces the opposite effect. a

A second independent hydraulic circuit supplies the work table cylinders lliiand 46 which serve to reciprocate the work supporting tables M and t2 respectively. The second hydraulic circuit issupplied with fluid under pressure by a table circuit pump PT which, in the embodiment shown, is secured to the casing of the ram pump PR. and isdriven simultaneously with the-ram pump by the same drive shaft.

The table circuit pump isconnectedby means ofa pipe 9!! with the body offluidinthe reservoir H and discharges fluidthrough a primary pressure line 91 and lines 92 and 93 which lead to four-Wayvalves 94 and 95 controlling theleft hand and right hand tables respectively.- From the valve 9 1 a pipe 54 conducts fluid through the piston 49 to and from the head end of the table cylinder ili, and a pipe 55 conducts fluid through an annular passage 91, formed by the piston rod and sleeve, to and from the rod end of the table cylinder. 46, the fluid which is returned from the table cylinder being conducted to the valve 94 and thence through a return pipe 99 back to the reservoir.

Valve at, controlling the right hand table, is connected by means of a pipe 55' and an annular passage 9'1 to the rod end of the work table cylinder 45, while a pipe 54 conducts fluid from the valvethrough the piston 49 to and from the head end of the work table cylinder. returned from the cylinder 45' to the valve 95 is discharged to the reservoir 1! through a return pipe Hi4. A pressure relief valve N15 is connectedin the pressure line ;9l so that when the mass fluid .canbe returned through. a pipe I01 :to the reservoir 11.: L.

In order 'thatflthe valves. 94 and .95 may be shiitedunder. electrical control, each isprovided withsuitable solenoids. In the present instance solenoids O and P of the pull type are associated respectively with opposite ends of the core of valve 9d and are so arranged that energization of the solenoid O shifts the valve to direct fluid to the head endof the cylinder at to advance the table El, while energization of thesolenoid P shifts the valve to direct fluid to the rod end of cylinder 46 to retract the table. Similarly, valve 95 is provided with solenoids M and N operating in the same manner upon the valve 95.

It will be apparent then that in a machine I provided with two separate and distinct hydraulic pressu e in. the l e e c ed a cer n amcuntext circuits, one a high pressure circuit for driving the broaching ram with great force, and the other a comparatively low pressure circuit .for shifting the work supporting tables from one position to another, a well organizedcontrol system becomes necessary. Such a system has been provided herein and, as previously stated, is electrical in character. Like the hydraulic system, theelectrical control system is composed of a high voltage circuit for controlling the solenoids A and B of the high pressure ram circuit and a low voltage circuit for controlling the solenoids M, N, O and P of the low pressure table circuit. Thesecircuits are shown in Fig. 5.

Inaddition to the solenoids mentioned, the circuits comprising the electrical control system include a plurality of relays RA, RB, RC, RD and RS, a plurality of table or ram actuated switch devices, and a plurality of manual push button switches. Of the relays, RA and RB control respectively switches C-A and C--B which are Open when the relays are deenergized and closed upon energization of the relays. As their designation suggests, these switches and relays are associated with the solenoids A and B. The relay RC controls a plurality of switches CC C'--C C--C and (7-0 Of these switches, C--C "and (J-C are open when the relay RC is deenergized, while CC and C--C are closed, the reverse being true when the relay is energized. Similarly, the relay RD controls four switches C-D CD 0-D and CD Of these switches, CD and CD are normally open when the relay is deenergized, while C--D and C-D are normally closed, the reverse being true when the relay isenergized, The relays RC and RD and the switches controlled thereby are associated with thesolenoids M, vN, O and P.

Relay RS, which is the main starting relay, controls switches C- -S and C-S both closed when the relay is energized and open when the relay is deenergized.

The table and ram actuatedswitch devices comprise switch devices TS#-l and TS-2 actuated by the table 42, switch devices TS-3 and TS-4 actuated by the table 4!, and switch devices actuated by the ram and in Fig. 6 shown as separate devices designated RS'-U and RS-L. The switch devices may be simple devices, that is, composed of but a single switch, or compound devices, that'is, composed of' a plurality of switches. Preferably the switches of. theswitch devices are suitably enclosed to protect the same. By way of example, the switch devices TS-l andTS-Z for the table 42 (see Fig. 3) are shown encased in housings 56 and respectively. Projecting upwardlyirom the housing 56 is an actuator 58 and. projecting upwardly irorrr the housing :51 ;is an actuator 59. Carried respectively by the actuators 58 and 59 are rollers 60 and BI to be engaged by a suitable cam carried by the table. Each switch device has what may be termed an actuated position, which is assumed when the cam engages the roller, and a normal or free position which is assumed when the cam no longer is in engagement with the roller.

As best seen in Figs. and 6, the switch device TSI is a compound device having switches TSI and TSI This switch device is shifted to its actuated position by a cam DI carried by the table 42 when the latter is in its loading position. In that position of the switch device TS--I, the switch TS-I is closed while the switch TS-I is open. The switch device TS2 is a simple device having but a single switch TS--2 which is open when the switch device is in its normal or free position. This device is so disposed as to be actuated by the cam DI of the table 42 when the table is in its inner or broaching position.

Switch devices TS3 and TS4 are duplicates, respectively, of switch devices TSI and TS2, TS3 being a compound device having switches TS--3 and TSS and TS4 being a simple switch device having but a single switch TS4. Switch device TS-3 is actuated by a cam D2 carried by the table 4I when in its loading position, and in that condition of the switch device the switch TS3 is closed while the switch TS-3 is open. Switch device TS--4 is actuated when the table M is in its inner or broaching position and the switch TS-4 thereof is normally open when the device is in its normal or free position.

The switch devices RS-U and RS-L are both simple devices having but a single switch carrying the same designation. These switch devices are actuated by a cam D3 carried by the ram, the device RS-U being actuated when the ram is in its initial or withdrawn position and the device RSL being actuated when the ram is in its lower or shifted position. It is material to proper operation of the device that the switch RSU be closed when actuated by the cam, and that the switch RSL be opened when actuated by the cam since, in the normal position of the ram shown in Figs. 5 and 6 wherein the cam is in contact with switch RSU only, both switches are closed.

Having described the relays, the switch devices and the switches actuated thereby, the connection thereof in the electrical control system will now be described, reference being had particularly to Fig. 5. As previously stated, the system comprises a high voltage circuit which includes the solenoids A and B for shifting the four-way valve I3 in the high pressure ram circuit. Herein the solenoids A and B are connected in parallel between main line wires LI and L2, and connected in series respectively with the solenoids A and B are the relay controlled switches C'-A and C-B. Also connected between the line wires LI and L2 in parallel with the solenoids A and B is a primary winding of a transformer T. Connected in the line wire L2 ahead of the solenoids and the transformer winding is a manually actuated switch II 9 serving as a main or master switch controlling the entire electrical system.

The low voltage circuit, which includes the solenoids for the valves 94 and 95 as well as all the relays and the switch devices actuated by the ram and the work supporting tables, derives. its energy from the high voltage circuit and to that .closed push button switch II2.

end the secondary winding of the transformer Tis connected at its ends to wires L3 and L4. Connected across the wires L3 and L4 is the relay RS, and connected in series therewith is a normally open push button switch III and a normally Of these, the switch III is a starting switch which is depressed to energize the starting relay RS, while switch H2 is a stop switch which is depressed when it is desired to deenergize the starting relay RS manually. As previously stated, the relay RS controls two switches C---S and C-S The latter of these switches C-S is connected around the normally open switch I I I so as to form a holding circuit for the relay RS once the switch III has been momentarily closed. The switch C'S is disposed in the wire L3 to control the flow of current to all of the remaining switches, solenoids and relays in the remainder of the low voltage circuit.

The relays RC and RD, which as previously stated are associated with the solenoids for the control of the four-way valves 94 and in the low pressure hydraulic circuit, are connected in parallel between the wires L3 and L4 through the switch RSL forming a common series connection. Also is series respectively with the relay RC and the relay RD are the switches C-C and CD' controlled by the relays and thus in effect constituting holding switches. Connected in duplicate shunt circuits around the switches CC and CD are push button switches 62 and 63 for initiating inward movement of the tables M and 42, respectively. These switches are so arranged that'when both switches are in their normal position both shunt circuits will be broken, but with either switch depressed one of the shunt circuits will be closed to energize a corresponding relay and thereby initiate forward movement of the appropriate table.

Also connected between the Wires L3 and L4 through the switch RSL is the relay RB, but interposed between the relay and the switch RSL are switches TS2 and TS4 connected in parallel. The relay RA is connected between the wires L3 and L4 through the switches TS3 and TSI The solenoids M, N, O and P for actuating the valves 94 and 95 are connected in parallel between the wires L3 and L4. In common series with the solenoids M and O is the switch RSU, and respectively in series with the solenoid M and the solenoid O are the switches CD and C-C and switches C-C and C-D The solenoid N has in series therewith the switch 0-0 and the switch TSI while the solenoid P has in series therewith the switch CD and the switch TS3 I The operation and the function of the various elements of the electrical circuit control system, as well as the function of the valves, is best understood from a consideration of the operation of the broaching machine. For that purpose let it be assumed that the ram and the tables are in their retracted position as shown in Fig. 6 and that the various switch devices actuated by the ram! or the tables are in corresponding positions which are the positions shown in Fig. 5. Let it be assumed further that the'means for driving the pumps PR and PT has been set in operation, for example, by depressing a push button switch 34 mounted on the side of the breaching machine (see Fig. 1) and that the main switch III! has been closed and that the starting switch III has also been momentarily depressed. It will readily be understood' that momentary depression of the starting switch I ll completes a circuit through the relay RS, thereby energizing the same and causing the switches -8 and C---S controlled thereby to be closed, thereby establishing a holding circuit for the relay RS and completing the circuit to the wire L3.

The electrical control system is now in the condition shown in Fig. 5 and it is to be noted that the switches TS-3 and TS! are closed so that relay RA is energized, with the result that the solenoid A is energized thereby shifting the valve 13 to cause pressure fluid to be supplied to the rod end of the cylinder l3 for raising the ram. Since the ram already is in its uppermost position, the pressure of the fluid serves merely to retain the ram in that position with the excessive fluid supplied by the pump PR returned to the reservoir H through the valve 15. It is also to be noted that the relays RB, RC and RD and the solenoids M, N, O and P are all deenergizedp The valves 94 and 95 are in such posi tion, respectively, that the tables are held in retracted position and that the excess fluid from the pump PT is being returned to the reservoir through the valve I06 and pipe I01.

Let us assume that the right hand work supporting table has been loadedwith a work piece all .ready to be broached. The first operation, therefore, is to advance the right hand work supporting table to a broaching position. This isaccomplished'by manually pushing the right hand table feed push button 63 inward so that it closes the circuit through the relay RC which after energization is held energized by a holding circuit completed through switch (J-C The energization of relay RC shifts all the switches connected therewith, identified as C--C, to a position opposite to that shown in Fig. 5, so that C-C and CC become closed while CC and CC are opened. Thus, in addition to completing a holding circuit for the relay RC, the circuit through the solenoid M is completed due to the fact that the switch C--D and the switch RSU were already closed. By energizing the solenoid M, the valve 95 is shifted in such a manner that hydraulic fluid is fed to the head end of the work table cylinder 46' and thereby advances the work supporting table 42 to a broaching position.

As an incident to the advance of table 42, the cam D! releases the multiple switch device TSl as the table leaves the loading position and actuates the simple switch device TS-Z when it reaches a broaching position. Release of the switch device 'IS-l causes switch TS-l to open, thereby breaking the circuit through the relay RA with the resultant deenergization of the solenoid A. Release of the switch device TS-l also causes switch "l"'.Ei-l to close, but this has no effect uponthe solenoid N because the switch C-C is now open. Actuation of the switch device TS2 when the table reaches a breaching position causes the switch TS2 to close, thereby completing the circuit through the relay RB since the switch RS-L is already closed. Energization of the relay RB by closure of switches C-B causes energization of the solenoid-B which is now free to shift the four-way valve 13 in the opposite direction; the solenoid A being deenergized, so that hydraulic fluid. is fed to the head end of the cylinder ii-ladvancing the ram through a breaching stroke.

Movement of the ram downward through a broaching stroke is eifective through the cam D3 to reverse the positioned the upper and lower ram switches RSU and RSL so that, when the ram has reached the end of its breaching stroke, both of these switches are open. It will be noted that the opening of the switch RSL breaks the circuit through relays RC and RB, deenergizing them, so that the solenoid B no longer shifts the valve I3 to effect a downward stroke of the ram and the deenergization of RC effects a reversal of the position of the switches CC so that they are again in the positions occupied originally, i. e., the positions shown in Fig. 5.

At this juncture, the work piece has been broached and it becomes necessary to withdraw the work piece before the return of the ram to its initial position. Withdrawal is accomplished automatically by reason of the fact that the switch C-C (previously open) has just been closed by deenergization of relay RC so that the circuit through solenoid N is completed, TSI of course, having been previously closed by'm-ove merit of cam DI. The solenoid N, being energized, shifts the valve 95 to an opposite position whereby the direction of the hydraulic fluid is reversed, the fluid under pressure now being directed to the rod end of the cylinder 46' to retract the work supporting table. This return, it will be noted, has likewise been accomplished automatically, but when the return has been completed multiple switch device TS| is again actuated causing the switch TS--I to be opened, thus breaking the circuit through the solenoid N. At the same time switch TS-I is closed, thereby completing the circuit through relay RA energizing that relay so that it closes the switch CA in the ram circuit, which in turn allows the solenoid A to become energized and shift the four-way valve 13 to effect automatically an upward .or return stroke of the broaching ram .to an initial position. At this stage of the cycle all of the parts come to rest in the positions indicated at the start of the operation just described. It should be noted, however, that as an incident to such return movement of the ram. both the switches RS-L and RSU are again closed. This conditions the circuit including the relays RC and RD for completion by depression of one of the buttons 62 or 63 and also conditions the circuit including the table in solenoids M and 0.

While the work piece on the right hand work supporting table is being broached, another work piece is loaded on the left hand work supporting table. That piece is now ready for a broaching operation so that we are prepared to have the left hand work supporting table advance to a broaching position while the right hand table remains fixed. To accomplish this, the left hand table feed switch 62 is pushed inward, completing the circuit through relay RD. The operation then is identical with that described for the right hand table except that the switches CD and TS3 and TS- 4 and solenoids O and P are involved. Briefly, the operation is as follows: The energization of relay RD reverses all of the switches CD from the positions originally occupied, thereby establishing a holding circuit by closing the switch CD and completing a cirmultiple switch device TS3 is shifted opening TS-3 to deenergize RA and closing T's-3 but solenoid P is not energized because CD is open. As soon as the advance is completed, device TS4 is shifted, effecting a closure of the switch TS4 thereby completing the circuit through the relay RB. With this circuit completed, RE is energized which in turn closes the switches CB in the primary circuit, thereby energizing the sole noid B which immediately shifts the four-Way valve in such a position that the broaching ram is advanced through a broaching stroke. Again, as previously described, as soon as the ram has completed its breaching stroke, the ram switches RSU and RS-L are reversed (opened) preparatory to retracting the left hand table to a loading position before return of the broaching ram. The retraction is accomplished by the closure of switch CD when the relay RD is deenergized, thus completing the circuit through solenoid P and the closed switch TS-3 Energizing the solenoid P serves to shift the valve 94 so that the hydraulic circuit is reversed in order to feed fluid to the rod end of the cylinder 46 to retract the attached work supporting table to a loading position. As soon as this position has been reached, the multiple switch device TS3 and switch TS--4 will have been shifted again to their original positions, i. e., that shown in Fig. 5, whereupon TS3 will be closed completing the circuit through relay RA which serves, as previously described, to energize the solenoid A in order to then retract the broaching ram to its initial upward position. At the same time, element TS3 has been opened, breaking the circuit through the solenoid P which ceases to shift the valve 94 in a position wherein the work supporting table 4| is urged toward the left. Again all of the mechanical parts come to a position at rest, as indicated previously, before the start of each cycle of operation.

Upon an inspection of the circuit, it will be noted that certain safety features are present, namely, that when one work supporting table is in operation, pushing the start button for the other table will have no efiect upon the latter table but may only halt operation of the table already in motion. Similarly, if both tables are out and the ram is away from its initial position, neither table can be moved into a broaching position until the ram has returned to its initial position, because of opened switches in the circuit.

In the manner described, each work supporting table may be actuated independently whenever it is completely loaded with a work piece and ready for a broaching operation. As soon as one or the other of the tables has been started in its cycle of movement, the broaching stroke of the ram, the return stroke of the work supporting table, and the return stroke of the ram are all accomplished automatically. Although there is an automatic connection individually between each of the tables and the single breaching ram, there is no automatic control between the tables themselves, each being especially designed for reasons of economy and safety to operate independently one from the other.

While for simplicity in disclosure the cams DI, D2 and D3 in the diagrammatic Fig. 6 are shown as single cams, they are actually composed of separate parts in order that the spacing thereof may be varied to vary the length of stroke of the work supporting tables or of the breach supporting ram. As best seen in Fig. 3, the cam DI is composed of two parts, Di and Di, as is also the cam D2 (not shown in Fig. 3). Similarly, as best seen in Fig. 2, the cam D3 is composed of two parts D3 and D3. The switches RSU and RSL are of conventional construction and may be mounted at any appropriate place on the machine. Herein they are shown mounted on the side of the column instead of the broaching machine.

I claim as my invention:

1. A'b-roaching machine comprising, in combination, a single reciprocal broach-carrying ram having a plurality of breach supports thereon, a plurality of reciprocal work supporting tables movable in a substantially common plane transverse to the line of movement of said ram, each having a loading and a broaching position and each being cooperable with certain of the breach supports, hydraulic means for driving said ram repeatedly through a cycle including a broaching stroke and a return stroke of substantially equal length and for driving said tables through a cycle including an advancing and a return movement, and electrical control means governing said hydraulic means to operate the tables through a cycle of operation during alternate cycles of operation of said ram.

2. A broaching machine comprising, in combination, a single reciprocal broach-carrying ram having broach supporting means thereon, a plurality of reciprocal work supporting tables movable in a substantially common plane transverse to the line of movement of said ram, each having a loading and a breaching position and each ibeing cooperable in the breaching position with the ram, hydraulic means for driving said ram repeatedly through a cycle including a broaching stroke and a return stroke of substantially equal length and for driving said tables through a cycle including an advancing and a return movement, and electrical means for controlling said hydraulic means including manual means for initiating the cycle of movement of said work supporting tables, and automatically actuated means for controlling the cycle of movement of the tables after initiation, and the cycle of movement of the broach-carrying ram.

3. A broaching machine comprising, in combination, a single reciprocal broach-carrying ram provided with broach supports, a plurality of reciprocal work supporting tables each having a loading and a broaching position, hydraulic means for reciprocating the ram and the tables including a high pressure circuit for driving the ram through a cycle of movement including a 'broa ching stroke and a return stroke, and a low pressure circuit for driving each table through a cycle including an advancing movement and a return movement, and electrical control means for the hydraulic means including a high voltage circuit for governing the flow of fluid in the high pressure hydraulic circuit, a low voltage circuit for controlling the flow of fluid in the low pressure hydraulic circuit, manual means for initiating a cycle of operation of either one of the tables, and means actuated as an incident to movement of said tables or said ram for controlling the remainder' of the cycle of the table and the cycle of the ram and for coordinating the movements of the ram and the table composing those cycles.

4. In a broaching machine, a broach-carrying ram provided with sets of broach supports for holding each a pair of parallel opposed surface broaches all arranged to cut when moving in a common direction, a plurality of independently operable work supporting tables movable in a substantially common plane transverse to the line of movement of the ram and at a right angle thereto having a projecting portion thereof extendible between the faces of the parallel breaches and each cooperable with one of .said sets of breaches, means for moving each respective table to and from a breaching position, and means for advancing the ram through a breaching operation and retracting it therefrom.

5. In a vertical breaching machine, a vertical reciprocating ram provided with sets of breach supports in the same vertical plane for holding each a pair of parallel opposed surface breaches all arranged to cut when moved in a common direction, a plurality of independently operable work supporting tables reciprocable in a horizontal plane at right angles to the plane of the breach supports each ceeperable respectivelywith one of said pair of breaches, means for moving each respective table to and from a breaching position, and means for advancing the ram through a breaching operation and for retracting it therefrom.

6. In a breaching machine, a frame, a breachcarrying ram mounted thereon provided with breach supports, electrically actuated means for directing operation of the ram, a work supporting table mounted on the frame, electrically actuated means for directing operation of the table, a manually actuated switch for initiating operation to move said table to a breaching position,

automatic switch means cooperablewith the ram for initiating a breaching stroke thereof and for returning said ram to a starting position, and automatic switch means for returning the work table to an initial position before return of the ram to a starting position.

7. In a breaching machine, a frame and a breach-carrying ram mounted thereon provided with two sets of breach supports and electrically actuated means for directing operation of the ram, a pair of alternately operable work supporting tables mounted on the frame each cooperable respectively with one of the sets of breach supports and electrically actuated means for directing the operation of the tables, a switch means for each table for causing said table to move to a breaching position, and other switch means for causing said ram to move through a breaching stroke and for causing said ram to return to a starting position. 8. In a breaching machine, a frame, a breachcarrying ram mounted thereon provided with two sets of breach supports, electrically actuated means for directing operation of the ram, a pair of alternately operable work supporting tables mounted on the frame cooperable respectively with one of the sets of breach supports, electrically actuated means for directing the opera tion of each table, a manually actuated switch for causing each of said tables to move to a breaching position, and dog operated switch means effective to initiate a breaching stroke of the ram and to return said ram to a starting position, there being a dog operated switch means on the ram for automatically effecting the return of each respective work table to an initial position before return of the ram to an initial position.

9. .In a hydraulic breaching machine, .a frame, a hydraulic circuit provided with solenoid operated valves and a hydraulic breach-carrying ram mounted on the frame having breach supports, .a

hydraulically actuated work table mounted on the frame cooperable with the breach supports and a hydraulic circuit for driving the work table controlled by solenoid operated valves, a manually actuated switch means for initiating operation to move said table to a breaching position, and automatic switch means cooperable with the solenoid operated valves of the ram circuit for initiating a breaching stroke of the ram and for automatically returning said ram to a starting position, said ram being provided with automatic switch means cooperable with the solenoid operated table circuit valves for automatically returning the work table to an initial position.

10. In a hydraulic breaching machine, a frame, a hydraulic breach-carrying ram mounted thereon having two sets of breach supports, a hydraulic circuit provided with solenoid operated valves, pair of alternately operable hydraulically actuate-d work tables mounted on the frame each ceoperable respectively {with one of the sets of breach supports, a hydraulic circuit for the work tables controlled by solenoid operated valves, a manually actuated switch means on each of the tables for initiatingmovem ent of said table to a breaching position and automatic switch means cooperable with the solenoid operated valves in the ram circuit for initiating a breaching stroke thereof and for automatically returning said ram to a starting position, there being provided an automatic switch means for the ram cooperable with the solenoids of the work table valves for returning each respective work table to an initial position.

11. In an electrically controlled breaching machine, a work table, a breaching ram having means for supporting a breach thereon, an electric control system for the ram and another electric control system for the table, an independent manually actuated starting switch for said table and automatic means carried on the table for alternately shifting the ram control system so as to advance the ram when the work table is in a breaching position and retract the ram to an initial position after the work table is returned to an initial position, and automatic means carried by the rain for shifting the table control system after a breaching stroke to return the table to its initial position before return of the ram to the initial position thereof.

12. In an electrically controlled breaching machine, a battery of work tables and a single breaching ram, means on the ram for supporting individual breaches thereon cooperable one with each of the work tables comprising the battery, and an electric control system for actuating each of the tables, there being an independent manually actuated starting switch in the system for each table and automatic means actuated by the table for alternately shifting the ram ccntrol system so as to advance the ram when an operative work table is in a breaching position and retract the ram when said work table is in an initial position, and a set of automatic means actuated by the ram for shifting the control system for each respective table after a breaching stroke to return an operative table to its initial position. 7

13. In an electrically controlled breaching machine, a pair of work tables and a single broaching ram, individual breaches on said ram each ccoperable independently with one of the pair of work tables, a primary electric circuit for actuating the ram controls, an independent manually actuated starting switch for each table in the electric table circuit and automatic means actuated by the table for alternately shifting the electric ram control circuit so as to advance the ram when an operative work table is in a breaching position and retract the ram after said operative work table has been returned to a loading position, and a single set of automatic means actuated by the ram cooperable with both tables for successively shifting the table control circuit after a breaching stroke to return the operative table to a loading position before return of the ram to an initial position.

14. An electrohydraulic breaching machine comprising a hydraulically actuated broachcarrying ram provided with breach supporting means and a hydraulically actuated work table cooperable with the breach supporting means, a hydraulic circuit for the ram and a hydraulic circuit for the work table, an electric control system for the ram and an electric control system for the table, electrically actuated means under the control of said table and cooperable with the ram. circuit for advancing and retracting the ram, electrically actuated means under the control of said ram and ceoperable with the table circuit for automatically returning said table to an initial position after a breaching stroke operative thereon, and a manually actuated switch for initiating operation of the table.

15. An electro-hydraulic breaching machine comprising a hydraulically actuated broach-carrying ram provided with sets of breach supports and a plurality of hydraulically actuated work tables each ceeperable respectively with one of the sets of breach supports, a hydraulic circuit for the ram and a hydraulic circuit for the work tables, an electric control system for the ram circuit and an electric control system for the table circuit, electrically actuated means cooperable with the table circuit and under the control of the ram for automatically returning each table to an initial position, and a manually actuated switch cooperable with each table for independently initiating separate operation of each said table.

16. A breaching machine comprising, in combination, a frame, a broach-carrying ram recip rocably mounted on said frame for movement through a breaching and a return stroke, a plurality of work supporting tables reciprecably mounted on said frame for movement from a loading to a breaching position and return, bydraulic means for reciprocating said ram and said tables comprising a high pressure ram circuit including a hydraulic motor for driving the ram, a pump for supplying hydraulic fluid under pressure and a solenoid actuated valve for directing the fluid to the ram motor alternately in opposite directions to effect a breaching and a return stroke thereof, and a low pressure table circuit comprisin a hydraulic motor for each table, a pump for supplying operating fluid and a solenoid actuated valve for each table motor operable to direct fluid to the motor in alternate directions to effect movement from leading to breaching position and return, and an electrical control system for the hydraulic means comprising a high voltage circuit including the solenoids for the valve of the ram circuit and a low voltage circuit including the solenoids for the valves of the table circuit, manually actuated switches for selectively initiating movement of the work supporting tables, and automatically actuated switches for controllin the movement of the ram and of'the remainder of the table cycle.

17. A breaching machine comprising, in com bination, a frame, a breach-carrying ram reciprecably mounted on said frame for movement through a breaching and a return stroke, a plurality of mounted on said frame for movement from a loading to a breaching position and return, hydraulic means for reciprocating said ram and said tables comprising a high pressure ram circuit including a hydraulic motor for driving the ram, a pump for supplying hydraulic fluid under pressure and a solenoid actuated valve for directing the fluid to the ram motor alternately in epposite directions to effect a breaching and a return stroke thereof, and a low pressure table circuit comprising a hydraulic motor for each table, a pump for supplying operating fluid and a solenoid actuated valve for each table motor operable to direct fluid to the motor in alternate directions to effect movement from leading to breaching position and return, and an electrical control system for the hydraulic means including the solenoids for the valves in the hydraulic circuits, a manually operable push button switch for each table selectively operable to initiate movement of the tables from leading to breaching position, a first automatic switch device for each table actuated as an incident to movement of the table to breaching position to initiate a breaching stroke of said ram, a second automatic switch device actuated as an incident to a completion of the breaching stroke of the ram operable to effect return movement of whichever table is in breaching position, a third automatic switch device actuated as an incident to return of the table to leading position operable to effect return movement of said ram, and a fourth automatic switch device actuated as an incident to return of said ram to initial position operable to recondition the circuit for initiation of a table movement by operation of one of the manually actuated push button switches.

18. In a breaching machine, in combination, a frame, a broach-carrying ram reciprecably mounted on said frame and provided with a plurality of supports for breaches arranged to cut in a common direction, a plurality of alternately eperable work supporting tables reciprecably mounted on said frame for movement in a substantially common plane at substantially right angles to the plane of reciprocation of said ram and arranged to support work pieces facing in a common direction, each of said tables having a loading and a breaching position, means for advancing said tables to breaching position alternately and independently of each other prior to a breaching operation on the work carried thereon and for Withdrawing the advanced table upon the completion of the breaching operation, and means for moving the ram in said common direction past the work tables through a breaching stroke after each table is advanced and for returning it through a non-breaching stroke of equal length after each table is withdrawn.

19. In a breaching machine, a frame, a breachcarrying ram reciprecably mounted thereon and provided with supporting means for a plurality of breaches arranged to cut in a common direction, a plurality of work supporting tables mounted on the frame in a substantially common plane at right angles to the plane of movement of said ram and each arranged to support a work piece for presentation to a corresponding broach, each havin a leading pesitien'remote from and a breaching position adjacent to the path of the work supporting tables reciprocably' corresponding broach, power means for repeatedly reciprocating the ram through forward breaching and non-breaching return strokes of constant length and for reciprocating the tables, manually actuated means effective on the power means for separately initiating operation of each of the tables to advance each table to breaching position, and automatic means cooperable with each of said tables effective on the power means to produce a separate broaching stroke for the ram after an advance movement of each of said tables and, after withdrawal of each table, to return said ram to a starting position, said ram being provided with means for automaticaliy effecting the return of each respective work table to its loading position.

20. In a breaching machine, a frame and a broach-carrying ram mounted thereon for vertical reciprocation and provided with two sets of supports for broaches arranged to cut in a downward direction, a pair of independently and al ternately operable work supporting tables mounted on the frame for movement in a substantially common plane and each cooperable with one of the sets of broach supports, power means for reciprocating said ram through a stroke of constant length and for reciprocating said tables, manually actuated means for effecting movement of said tables, alternately, to a breaching position, automatic means cooperable with the ram for effecting a downward breaching stroke thereof when a table has been moved to breaching position and for returning said ram to a starting position after such table has been Withdrawn, and means on the ram for automatically initiating the return of each respective work table to its withdrawn position before return of the ram to its starting position.

FRANCIS J. LAPOINTE. 

